Reinforcing framework and slab design

ABSTRACT

A reinforcing framework ( 10 ) for the construction of reinforced concrete structures includes at least two spaced-apart mesh layers ( 202, 204 ). A plurality of spaced-apart spacers ( 206 ) are mounted between the mesh layers ( 202, 204 ) to support the two mesh layers ( 202, 204 ) spaced-apart in substantially parallel planes. Each spacer ( 206 ) has a cross member with a leg extending outwardly at each end of the cross member, said legs being substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the cross member. Each leg has a foot at an outer end of the leg remote from the cross member, the foot being substantially perpendicular to the leg and substantially perpendicular to the cross member. The cross member is bent inwardly between the legs.

INTRODUCTION

This invention relates to a reinforcing framework capable ofprefabrication in an off-site location. The reinforcing framework can besubsequently transported to a building site location for installment anduse in the formation of reinforced concrete slabs in the construction ofa building.

BACKGROUND

Composite materials are widely used in the construction industry to formreinforced structures, for many reasons including durability, strength,tensile and thermal properties as well as flexibility in construction ofvarious components and structures. It is to be appreciated that whileconcrete is an often used and popular choice for use in reinforcedstructures, other materials with similar physical properties, such astensile strength and ductility, may be substituted.

Reinforcement of concrete or similar material is often achieved byembedding a skeletal framework formed of reinforcing materials made ofsteel, polymers, fibre glass, or alternate composite material into theconcrete or similar material. Although commonly steel reinforcing bars(rebar) are used alone or in combination with other reinforcingmaterials.

Shear reinforcement is required to resist the effects of sheer ordiagonal stress on a material, such as concrete. Thus shear links areoften added to reinforcing frame work to counter shear stress.

The length of the reinforcing materials used in skeletal frameworks canbe adjusted by splicing two reinforcing materials, such as rebar,together. Splicing allows for shear stress to be transferred from onerebar to another. Splicing can be achieved by lapping the bars, using amechanical joint, or welding the bars together where they join oroverlap. Preferably splicing of bars is performed on alternate bars withup to 50% of reinforcement bars spliced in any given section of areinforcing structure.

Reinforced concrete is used to build many different types of structuresand components of structures including, slabs, walls, floors, beams,columns, foundations and frames.

A small change in the design of a reinforced structure can havesignificant impact on material costs, construction schedule, andultimate strength, as well as operating costs, occupancy levels and enduse of a building.

Reinforced concrete can be classified as precast or cast-in-placeconcrete.

The typical approach to fixing a skeletal framework is for loose rebar,or other reinforcing material, to be delivered to the construction siteand manually fixed in place using fixers in accordance with drawings toform the framework on which the end result reinforced structures aredesigned. This system has a number of drawbacks.

The loose rebar takes time to be loaded and unloaded from the vehiculartransportation, meaning that there is increased disturbance at theoffsite and onsite locations, as greater time is needed to complete theloading or offloading task. This issue is even more evident at onsitelocations positioned on a busy road.

A substantial number of fixers require substantial crane time tocomplete the manual fixation of bars in place meaning that there isincreased downtime in construction, particularly for other buildprojects that require a crane to complete.

For example a standard 1000 square foot reinforcing framework willrequire around 8 to 9 fixers and will take the 8 to 9 fixers about 5 to6 working days to complete the reinforcing framework ready for concreteto be poured over the framework.

This approach is flawed as manual construction can be performed byconstruction personnel of varied competency and skill and is timeconsuming, taking anything from days to weeks to complete the fixingstage before the concrete is then poured over the framework.

Furthermore construction of a standard reinforcing framework isdisruptive, diverting man hours and equipment away from otherconstruction tasks and preventing other tasks and projects from gettingstarted and/or from being completed.

Most building regulations and standards require that the reinforcingskeletal framework is checked and approved by a qualified engineer priorto the concrete being applied to the frame.

Manual construction of a skeletal framework, in situ, can lead toinconsistencies in approach with different interpretations of the designdrawings being made. This can slow the construction and installationtime as well as lead to errors in construction. Such errors may lead toa fail by the qualified engineer who may deem the reinforcing skeletalstructure as not up to code and unsafe. A fail by the qualified engineercan delay construction with the skeletal framework needing to be redonebefore installation of the reinforcing structure can continue, withfurther checks required by the qualified engineer.

Delays incurred by inconsistent approaches can have serious costimplications on installation and overall construction.

The buildings and construction industry is under pressure to deliverfaster, more cost-effective builds and build designs withoutcompromising the quality, strength and durability of the end product.

There is a need, therefore, to provide alternative skeletal frameworkdesigns for reinforced structures that are capable of reducing buildtime, installation cost and improve durability and strength of the endproduct reinforced structure design.

Furthermore, single mesh layers are limited in the scope, complexity,and in particular, the size of reinforcing structures that can becreated. It is an object of the present invention to provide alternativeskeletal framework designs for reinforced structures that are capable ofenabling larger reinforcing structures to be constructed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a reinforcing frameworkfor the construction of reinforced concrete structures, including:

-   -   at least two mesh layers, namely, a first mesh layer and a        second mesh layer,    -   a plurality of spaced-apart spacers mounted between the first        layer and the second layer to support the two mesh layers        spaced-apart in substantially parallel planes,    -   each spacer having a cross member with a leg extending outwardly        at each end of the cross member, said legs being substantially        parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the        cross member,    -   each leg having a foot at an outer end of the leg remote from        the cross member, the foot being substantially perpendicular to        the leg and substantially perpendicular to the cross member, and    -   the cross member being bent inwardly between the legs.

In one embodiment of the invention the length of the cross member issufficient to support a plurality of reinforcing bars.

In another embodiment of the invention, the spacing between the legs isgreater than the spacing between adjacent parallel spaced-apartreinforcing bars of the mesh layer which engages the cross member.

In another embodiment, the cross member is curved inwardly between thelegs.

In another embodiment, the cross member is V-shaped.

In a further embodiment, each spacer has feet which project outwardlyfrom the legs in opposite directions.

In another embodiment a spacer is mounted at a lifting point for thereinforcing framework.

In another embodiment, a plurality of spaced-apart splice bars projectoutwardly at one or both sides of the frame. Preferably, the splice barsform an extension of one or both of the mesh layers. This arrangementfacilitates automatic splicing of adjacent reinforcing frameworks duringconstruction.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method of constructing andinstalling the reinforcing framework in the construction of reinforcingstructures comprising the following steps:

-   -   (i) prefabrication of the reinforcing framework (100) in an        off-site location;    -   (ii) transporting and delivering the complete assembly of the        reinforcing framework (100) to the site of installment;    -   (iii) installment of the reinforcing framework (100) by lifting        the complete assembly into position; and,    -   (iv) applying concrete to the reinforcing framework (100).

One advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present inventionis that reinforcing frameworks comprising elongate members with adiameter of 10 mm or more can now be prefabricated in an offsitelocation.

Another advantage of the new reinforcing framework is that the designcan be pre-approved by an engineer who has greater access forinspection.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that is capable of being produced in a controlled factoryenvironment with standardised equipment set up and standardised methodsand approach to construction.

Another advantage of the new reinforcing framework is that build timeonsite is greatly reduced with typical installation time taking minutesto hours to complete compared with the days to weeks' timeframe enduredusing traditional designs and manual assembly and installationtechniques. Delivery and installation time is reduced by around 70% withno onsite labour required for fixing thereby increasing labourefficiency and decreasing labour costs associated with this task.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that there are fewer disturbances to other onsiteactivities and to the surrounding area affected by the building project,as the fully assembled reinforcing framework of the present inventioncan be loaded and unloaded from the vehicular transportation swiftly.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that monopoly of a crane for the purpose of assembling areinforcing framework onsite by traditional fixing means is mitigated asthe new reinforcing framework of the present invention arrives at theonsite location, fully assembled and ready to install and use.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that monopoly of the crane for the purpose of loading andunloading the reinforcing framework and placing the reinforcingframework into the desired location for installation and use, isreduced.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that the monopoly of skilled labour or manpower astraditionally required in assembling a reinforcing framework onsite bytraditional fixing means, is mitigated as the new reinforcing frameworkof the present invention arrives at the onsite location, fully assembledand ready to install and use.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that the health safety and wellbeing of onsite labour isimproved.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that productivity of the reinforcing framework made infactory environments is increased.

A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework is that it providesa standardised construction approach with improved accuracy andconsistency in building the reinforcing framework on which the completedreinforcing structure such as, but not limited to, a slab design, ismade.

A further advantage to the new reinforcing framework of the presentinvention is that by combining more than one mesh layer together,separated by a spacer, enables larger reinforcing structures to beconstructed with rebar elements having diameters of up to 40 mm.

In a further embodiment the cross member is curved such as to allow agap to be formed between the cross member and the mesh layer engagedtherewith.

In a preferred embodiment the gap formed between the cross member andthe first mesh layer is generally positioned at a substantially midwaypoint along the cross member and between proximal and distal ends of thecross member.

One advantage of the curve in the cross member is that the curve allowsfor ease of access through the gap positioned between the cross memberand to the two sets of elongate members present in the first mesh layersuch that it allows at least one bar to be placed between the two setsof elongate members present in the first mesh layer.

A further advantage of the curve in the cross member is that the curveallows for additional reinforcing bars to be added once the reinforcingframework has been fully assembled.

A further advantage of the curve in the cross member is that the curveallows for ease of access to enable the additional bars to be splicedtogether with the existing elongate members of the first mesh layer oncethe reinforcing framework has been fully assembled.

It is to be appreciated that the potential for post assemblymodification of the fully assembled reinforcing framework allows foradjusting the strength of the overall framework ahead of transportation,installation and use. Said post assembly modification enables the designto be modified, if necessary, without needing to restart the assembly ofthe reinforcing framework completely from scratch.

It is to be appreciated that additional bars added to the reinforcingframework, post assembly or otherwise, said bar being intended to bespliced to existing elongate members in the first mesh layer, mayalternatively be referred to as a “splice bar”. It is to be appreciatedthat any and all details pertaining to the second set of elongatemembers may also equally be applied to the first set of elongatemembers. Furthermore, any and all details pertaining to the first meshlayer may equally be applied to the second mesh layer. The mesh layersare interchangeable in this regard.

In a further embodiment the at least one bar may be placed evenlythroughout the first mesh layer and adjacent to one or more elongatemember.

In a preferred embodiment more than one bar is placed, namely a firstbar and a second bar, such that the first bar is placed at a distance ofapprox. 500 mm c\c from the second bar.

In a preferred embodiment the curve of the cross member is any anglefrom 1° to 45°.

In a more preferred embodiment the curve of the cross member is anyangle from 5° to 30°.

In a most preferred embodiment the curve of the cross member is anyangle from 8° to 15°.

A further advantage of the curve in the cross member is that splicingtogether the two sets of elongate members, present in the first meshlayer, where the first set of elongate members engage the second sets ofelongate members, can be performed easily. Such positions, where thefirst set of elongate members engage the second set of elongate members,as spliced together may further be referred to as joints.

In a further embodiment the at least one contact point is substantiallyadjacent to the distal or proximal ends of the cross member.

In a preferred embodiment the cross member comprises at least twocontact points.

One advantage of the contact points is that the contact points providesclearly defined positions on the first mesh layer that provide improvedpurchase, such that the fully assembled reinforcing framework may belifted about the contact points from the vehicular transportation to thedesired position for final installment and use. Such contact points mayalso be referred to as lifting points.

It is to be appreciated that “purchase” as used in context of thelifting points covers obtaining a firm contact, hold, grasp, attachmentor grip on the object to be lifted, such as the fully assembledreinforcing framework, or to haul up the desired item to be moved, suchas the fully assembled reinforcing framework, by means of a pulley orlever system and any vehicular or apparatus comprising a pulley andlever system, such as a crane.

A further advantage of the contact points is that the contact pointsenable multiple fully assembled reinforcing frameworks to be lifted fromthe vehicular transportation to the desired position for installment anduse. Being able to lift multiple fully assembled reinforcing frameworksin a single lift means that the time taken to load and unload thereinforcing framework is greatly reduced and less disturbance of otheronsite activities.

A further advantage of the contact points is that, due to the reducednumber of lifts required to load or unload the fully assembledreinforcing frameworks, the crane time needed is significantly reducedfreeing up the crane for other onsite jobs or projects. This has apositive impact on overall build time meaning that the constructionproject can be completed in a shorter time period.

One advantage of having each foot portion extending in the oppositedirection to one another is that stability of the overall spacer isimproved.

In another embodiment the cross member, the leg portion and the footportion are all mutually orthogonal.

In one embodiment each of the first mesh layer and second mesh layercomprise at least two sets of elongated members, namely a first set anda second set.

One advantage of the present invention is that the diameters of theelongate members, used in constructing the mesh layers, namely the firstmesh layer and the second mesh layer, can range from 10 mm to 100 mm.

Preferably, the diameters of the elongate members, used in constructingthe mesh layers, namely the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer,range between 10 mm to 70 mm.

More preferably, the diameters of the elongate members, used inconstructing the mesh layers, namely the first mesh layer and the secondmesh layer, range between 10 mm to 50 mm.

Most preferably, the diameters of the elongate members, used inconstructing the mesh layers, namely the first mesh layer and the secondmesh layer, range between 10 mm to 40 mm.

In a further embodiment the first set of elongated members and thesecond set of elongate members are positioned substantiallyperpendicular to one another.

In a further embodiment the first set of elongate members are arrangedin pairs, each pair of elongate members being positioned substantiallyin parallel to the next pair of elongate members.

In a preferred embodiment in each pair of elongate members each elongatemember differs in length.

One advantage to having differing lengths of elongate members is that itallows for greater flexibility in the design of different types ofreinforcing structures.

A further advantage to having differing lengths of elongate members isthat it allows for designs to be adjusted to fit onsite dimensions.

In a most preferred embodiment in each pair of elongate members oneelongate member is substantially shorter than the other elongate memberthat makes up the pair.

In a further embodiment at least a proportion of the individualcomponents that make up the reinforcing framework are made from one ormore of steel, rebar, polymers, fibre glass and alternate compositematerial or any combination thereof.

The present invention is further directed towards a method offabricating and installing the reinforcing framework in the constructionof reinforcing structures comprising prefabrication of the reinforcingframework in an off-site location; transporting and delivering acomplete assembly of the fabricated reinforcing framework to the site;installment of the reinforcing framework by lifting the completeassembly into the desired position; and, applying concrete to thereinforcing framework.

One advantage of the method of fabricating and installing reinforcingframework of the present invention is that production in a controlledfactory environment with standardised equipment set up and standardisedmethods and approach to construction enables a fast and efficientturnaround of production of individual components and the fullyassembled reinforcing structure.

It is to be appreciated that the method of fabricating and installingreinforcing framework with standardised equipment set up can speed upproduction of the fully assembled reinforcing structure by beingcontinually present and in the desired position ready for assemblypurposes. It is to be appreciated that during onsite fabrication ofsimilar reinforcing frameworks the equipment is often moved andrepositioned for the purpose of other onsite jobs, meaning that thefabrication is slowed as the equipment needs to be returned to thedesired position for the purpose of fabricating reinforcing frameworks.

A further advantage of the method of fabricating and installingreinforcing framework of the present invention is that mass productionis enabled.

It is to be appreciated that the reinforcing framework of the presentinvention, fully assembled or otherwise, may be transportable at anylength and width, and in particular any wide-load width or parameters asmay be required or imposed by vehicular transportation.

In a further embodiment the method comprises a drying step following theapplication of concrete, in particular when the concrete iscast-in-place.

The advantage of having a drying step is to set the concrete, or othersimilar material, hard and in place against the reinforcing framework toform a strong and robust reinforcing structure.

In a further embodiment the reinforcing frameworks of the presentinvention are for use in the construction of one or more reinforcingstructures including, but not limited to, slabs, walls, floors, beams,columns, foundations and frames.

It is to be appreciated that the fully formed reinforcing framework, foruse in constructing reinforcing structures, can be arranged in a varietyof sequences in conjunction with other reinforcing frameworks including,but not limited to, in series and in parallel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a reinforcing frameworkin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the reinforcing framework of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of the reinforcing framework of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 shows a further side sectional view of the reinforcing frameworkof FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5a to 5g show a series of fabrication steps for constructing thereinforcing framework of FIG. 1 and a resulting reinforcing structure;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another reinforcing framework according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional elevational view showing the reinforcingframework of FIG. 6 in use;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a further reinforcing framework according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side sectional elevational view of the reinforcing frameworkof FIG. 8, shown in use;

FIG. 10 is a detail perspective view showing the reinforcing frameworkof the invention in use;

FIG. 11 is another detail perspective view showing the reinforcingframework in use;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing framework of theinvention in use; and

FIG. 13 is a detail perspective view showing portion of the arrangementin FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, there is provided aprefabricated reinforcing skeletal framework according to the invention,indicated generally by reference numeral 100 for use in the constructionof reinforced structures such as floor slabs and wall slabs inbuildings. The reinforcing skeletal framework 100 is shown without a setof elongate members of a first top mesh layer, in order to improve theunderstandability of the drawing.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 the reinforcing skeletal framework comprisesat least two mesh layers, namely a first mesh layer and a second meshlayer, indicated generally by reference numerals 202 and 204respectively; and, a plurality of spacers, generally indicated byreference numeral 206.

The first mesh layer 202 and the second mesh layer 204 are substantiallyadjacent from one another and, when fully constructed for use, are heldseparate by the plurality of spacers 206. A plurality of spaced-partspacers 206 support the two mesh layers spaced-apart in substantiallyparallel planes in a double skin construction. Each of the plurality ofspacers 206 is formed of a cross member 302, leg portions 304 and footportions 306.

Each leg portion 304 has a top and a bottom and is connected, at the topof the leg portion 304, to a distal or proximal end of the cross member302. The leg portion 304 is positioned substantially perpendicular tothe cross member 302. Each leg portion 304 is also connected to at leastone foot portion 306 at the bottom end of the leg portion 304 remotefrom the cross member 302. The foot portion 306 extends substantiallyperpendicular to the leg portion 304. In this way, the cross member 302,the leg portion 304 and the foot portion 306 may be mutually orthogonalto each other.

Preferably the foot portions 306 project outwardly from the legs 304 inopposite directions as shown in the drawings.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the first mesh layer 202 and secondmesh layer 204 independently comprise of at least two sets of elongatedreinforcing bar members, namely a transverse first set 308 and alongitudinal second set 310 of spaced-apart reinforcing bars in parallelalignment, positioned substantially perpendicular to one another, so asto form a grid-like structure for the mesh layer 202, 204. The secondset of elongate members 310 is arranged in pairs 312 of reinforcingbars, comprising a first elongate reinforcing bar member 312 a and asecond elongate reinforcing bar member 312 b, each pair of elongatemembers 312 being positioned substantially parallel to and spaced-apartfrom the next pair of elongate members 312 within the second set ofelongate members 310.

Within each of the pairs of elongate members 312 present in the secondset of elongate members 310, the first elongate member 312 a making upeach pair of elongate members 312 may independently be of differentlength to the second elongate member 312 b making up each pair ofelongate members 312. In particular the second elongate member 312 bwhich forms one of the pair of elongate members 312 may be substantiallyshorter than the first elongate member 312 a that forms the other of thepair of elongate members 312.

Each of the pairs of elongate members 312 may be of different lengthsindependently of each other pair in the second set of elongate members310.

It is to be appreciated that any and all details pertaining to thesecond set of elongate members 310 may also equally be applied to thefirst set of elongate members 308. Furthermore, any and all detailspertaining to the first mesh layer 202 may equally be applied to thesecond mesh layer 204. The mesh layers 202, 204 are interchangeable inthis regard.

Referring in particular to FIG. 4, the cross member 302 has a distal andproximal end, with a portion of the cross member 302 curved intermediatethe ends such as to allow at least one contact point 402 between thecross member 302 and the first mesh layer 202, wherein the contact point402 is located towards one of the distal and proximal ends of the crossmember 302. Said portion of the cross member 302 being curvedintermediate the ends also allows for a gap 404 to be formed between thecross member 302 of the spacer 206 and the first mesh layer 202.

An example of a fabrication method of the reinforcing framework of thepresent invention will now be described. It will be appreciated thatalternative methods of fabrication may be used.

Referring to FIG. 5a the reinforcing framework 100 is fabricated firstlyby laying out the first set of elongate members 308, spaced-apart andsubstantially in parallel to one another. This is followed by the secondelongate members 312 b of the second set of elongate members 310positioned spaced-apart and mutually orthogonal to the first set ofelongate members 308 as shown in FIG. 5 b.

In FIG. 5c , it can be seen that the spacers 206 are positionedsubstantially adjacent to and resting on the first set of elongatemembers 308, such that the foot portions 306 of the spacer 206 arepositioned substantially adjacent to the second elongate member 312 b ofthe second set of elongate members 310. The foot portions 306 of thespacer 206 are then secured to the second elongate member 312 b of thesecond set of elongate members 310 and the second elongate members 312 bare secured to the elongate members 308.

As is shown in FIG. 5d , the first elongate member 312 a is positionedsubstantially adjacent to the second elongate member 312 b to form apair of elongate members 312 within the second set of elongate members310. The first elongate member 312 a is then secured to the secondelongate member 312 b to complete the second mesh layer 204.

It is to be appreciated that alternatively to that shown in FIG. 5d thefirst elongate member 312 a may be positioned substantially adjacent tothe foot portions 306 of the spacer 206, such that the foot portions 306of the spacer 206 are positioned between the first elongate member 312 aand the second elongate member 312 b.

As is further seen from FIG. 5d some further second elongate members 312b are arranged substantially in parallel and over the cross members 302of the plurality of spacers 206.

Further first elongate members 312 a are laid out substantially adjacentto the further second elongate members 312 b so as to be substantiallyadjacent the cross member 302 of the spacer 206 as can be seen in FIG.5e . The first elongate members 312 a and second elongate members 312 bare secured together to form a pair of elongate members 312 and forminga further second set of elongate members 310.

As can be seen in FIG. 5f , a further first set of elongate members 308are positioned mutually orthogonal to the further second set of elongatemembers 310. The further first set of elongate members 308 and thefurther second set of elongate members 310 are secured together to formthe first mesh layer 202. The first mesh layer 202 is then secured tothe cross member 302 of the spacers 206. The prefabricated mesh cageconstruction thus formed can be transported to a building site andlifted into position.

With particular reference to FIG. 5g construction of the reinforcingstructure comprising the reinforcing framework 100 is completed in situat an onsite location; concrete, or other material, is applied to thereinforcing framework 100, such that only a portion of the first meshlayer 202 and the second mesh layer 204 remain visible, namely the endsof the pair of elongate members 312 that make up the second set ofelongate members 310 present in both the first mesh layer 202 and thesecond mesh layer 204.

It is to be appreciated that while FIGS. 5a to 5g show the method forfabrication of the reinforcing framework 100 of the present invention asfollowing a certain series of steps as outlined above, the method offabrication may comprise similar steps conducted in alternative orders,such as may be considered more efficient or otherwise beneficial,without being considered to substantially deviate from the presentinvention.

Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that while FIGS. 5a to 5g show thefirst mesh layer 202 and second mesh layer 204 to be constructed in situin connection with the spacer 206, that each of the mesh layers, namelythe first mesh layer 202 and the second mesh layer 204 may be fabricatedindependently and separately from each other and the reinforcingframework 100. The complete assembly of the first mesh layer 202 and thecomplete assembly of the second mesh layer 204 are then incorporatedinto the fabrication of the reinforcing framework 100 of the presentinvention. Such method of fabricating the reinforcing framework 100 ofthe present invention may comprise firstly laying out the second meshlayer 204 before placing the spacers 206 positioned substantiallyadjacent to the first set of elongate members 308, such that the footportions 306 are positioned substantially adjacent to the secondelongate member 312 b of the second set of elongate members 310 presentin the second mesh layer 204. The foot portions 306 of the spacer 206are then secured to the second elongate member 312 b of the second setof elongate members 310 present in the second mesh layer 204; The firstmesh layer 202 is placed such as to position the first mesh layer 202substantially adjacent to the cross member 302 of the spacer 206. Thefirst mesh layer 202 is placed, such that shear links contained withinthe first mesh layer 202 are positioned substantially adjacent to thelifting points. The first set of elongate members 308 are then splicedto the second set of elongate members 310, where the first set ofelongate members 308 and the second set of elongate members 310 fallwithin the curve area of the cross member 302 of the spacer 206. Thefirst mesh layer 202 is then secured to the cross member 302 of thespacer 206 about the contact points.

It is to be appreciated that securing of elongate members and the spacermay include, but is not limited to, splicing and fixers made of steel orother material as may be deemed appropriate in the industry for use as afixer, and welding. Splicing may include, but is not limited to, halflap splice, bevel lap splice and tabled splice joints as may be deemedappropriate. Welding may include any form of welding technique, as maybe deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to spot welding,bottom welding,

Example 1: Method of Constructing and Installing a Reinforcing Frameworkfor a Slab Design in Accordance with the Present Invention

The reinforcing framework 100 is firstly designed and approved byengineers. Prefabrication in an offsite location is achieved by fixingthe components of the reinforcing framework 100 using standard steelfixers according to a slab format design, as pre-approved by anengineer. The assembled reinforcing framework 100 is then transportedand delivered, in one piece, to the site of installment. Installmentinvolves lifting the assembled reinforcing framework 100, in one piece,into the desired position and cast-in-place concrete applied to thereinforcing framework 100. The concrete is then allowed to dry beforeuse of the fully formed slab.

Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, there is shown another reinforcingframework according to the invention, indicated generally by thereference numeral 400. Parts similar to those described previously areassigned the same reference numerals. In this case, splice bars 401project outwardly at one side of the reinforcing framework 400 in asingle fly arrangement. FIG. 7 shows a concrete slab 402 cast about thereinforcing framework 400 in use.

Referring now to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, there is shown another reinforcingframework according to another embodiment of the invention, indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 500. Parts similar to those describedpreviously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, setsof splice bars 401 project outwardly at both sides of the reinforcingframework 500. It will be noted that this has a double fly constructionwith the splice bars 401 projecting out at opposite sides of thereinforcing framework 500 and forming an extension of the first meshlayer 202 and second mesh layer 204.

The arrangements in FIGS. 6 to 9 advantageously provide for automaticsplicing of the reinforcing frameworks 400, 500 during construction of abuilding. The reinforcing framework 400 is inserted first. Then arequired number of the reinforcing framework 500 are dropped into placein alignment with the first reinforcing framework 400 with the splicebars 401 overlapping with the adjacent framework. It will be appreciatedthat the reinforcing frameworks 400, 500 facilitate automatic splicingof the reinforcing frameworks 400, 500 which greatly speeds up theconstruction process.

Referring now to FIG. 10, this shows the knitting together of a verticalwall panel 600 and a reinforcing framework 400. FIG. 11 shows this fromanother angle. It will be noted that U-bar ends 410 on the reinforcingframework 400 accommodate varying dimensions. It will be appreciatedthat the wall panel reinforcement may be formed by any of thereinforcing frameworks of the invention previously described.

Referring in particular to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, this shows a reinforcingframework 500 mounted at a column 700. It will be noted in FIG. 13, acutaway portion 502 is provided in the reinforcing framework 500 toaccommodate the column 700. Shear links 503 are incorporated into thesteelwork of the reinforcing frame 500 around the opening 502.

It is to be appreciated that while the present example demonstrates aslab design the reinforcing framework may also be used to construct andinstall other reinforcing structures such as, but not limited to, walls,floors, beams, columns, foundations and frames.

It is also to be appreciated that while the example provided usesconcrete other materials with similar physical properties may be readilysubstituted.

It is also to be appreciated that while the example provided describesthe cast-in-place concrete applied to the reinforcing framework aftertransport and delivery to the onsite location, the concrete may beapplied to the reinforcing framework before the fully assembledreinforcing framework is transported and delivered to the onsitelocation.

Furthermore where precast concrete is used a drying step is notnecessary.

The terms “comprise” and “include”, and any variations thereof requiredfor grammatical reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable andaccorded the widest possible interpretation.

The terms “framework”, “skeletal framework”, “frame” and “skeleton”refer to a structure, or structures, for supporting or enclosing areinforcing structure or prefabricated concrete, such as reinforcingslab designs, and as such are to be considered as interchangeable andaccorded the widest possible interpretation. Said terms should not beconfused with “formwork” or “shuttering” as further defined below.

The terms “formwork” or “shuttering, refer to temporary or permanentmoulds into which cement, or other material, may be poured and allowedto dry, and as such may be formed of “framework”, “skeletal framework”,“frame” and “skeleton”.

The terms “contact points” and lifting points” are to be considered asinterchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

The terms “c/c” and “O.C” are commonly used term in construction to meancentre to centre and on centre respectively and as such are to beconsidered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possibleinterpretation.

The terms “double skin” and “double skin mats” are well known industryterms to mean a set of skins, panels or rebar mats or mesh layers and assuch are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widestpossible interpretation.

It will be understood that the components referred to a standard steelfixers throughout may be readily substituted for other standard fixersthat may be applicable for use in the prefabrication and construction ofreinforcing frameworks, reinforcing structures, reinforcing slab designsand other reinforcing structures.

It will be understood that the components shown in any of the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale, and, like parts shown in severaldrawings are designated the same reference numerals.

It will be further understood that features from any of the embodimentsmay be combined with alternative described embodiments, even if such acombination is not explicitly recited hereinbefore but would beunderstood to be technically feasible by the person skilled in the art.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore describedwhich may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A reinforcing framework for the construction of reinforced concretestructures, the reinforcing framework including: at least two meshlayers, namely, a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer, a pluralityof spaced-apart spacers mounted between the first layer and the secondlayer to support the two mesh layers spaced-apart in substantiallyparallel planes, each spacer having a cross member with a leg extendingoutwardly at each end of the cross member, said legs being substantiallyparallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the crossmember, each leg having a foot at an outer end of the leg remote fromthe cross member, the foot being substantially perpendicular to the legand substantially perpendicular to the cross member, and the crossmember being bent inwardly between the legs.
 2. The reinforcingframework as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the cross memberis sufficient to support a plurality of reinforcing bars.
 3. Thereinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spacing betweenthe legs is greater than the spacing between adjacent parallelspaced-apart reinforcing bars of the mesh layer which engages the crossmember.
 4. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecross member is curved inwardly between the legs.
 5. The reinforcingframework as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member is V-shaped.6. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein each spacerhas feet which project outwardly from the legs in opposite directions.7. A reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spacer ismounted at a lifting point for the reinforcing framework.
 8. Thereinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality ofspaced-apart splice bars project outwardly at one or both sides of thereinforcing framework.
 9. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim8, wherein the splice bars form an extension of one or both of the meshlayers.